What’s The Best Plastic Surgery for Jowls

Tissue laxity along the jawline can create jowls, which can be difficult to reduce with non-surgical methods. If you’re considering having surgery for jowls, there are different variations of a facelift procedure that may be suited to your needs.

When you’re looking into your surgical options, it’s important to understand that each facelift method is designed to address jowls in different ways. The best approach will depend on factors like skin laxity and the position of the deeper tissues.

In this blog, we’ll explain each type of facelift procedure and how they each can address jowls. Since a consultation is the best way to determine which procedure will most appropriately meet your needs, we recommend getting in touch with our team to meet with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson. This way, you’ll be able to discuss your personal goals and receive tailored advice.

How does facelift surgery (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) address jowls?

A facelift (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) is designed to reposition the middle and lower face by adjusting deeper tissues and removing excess skin.

It works by lifting and repositioning the underlying structures, including the SMAS layer – a connective tissue layer beneath the skin that provides structure to the face.

By focusing on these areas, jowls can be effectively addressed in a comprehensive way that considers the patient’s overall facial features. Sometimes, a neck lift can be included for more comprehensive results that work together.

For the type of facelift procedure, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson can perform an SMAS facelift or a deep plane facelift. The type of surgery for jowls you need will come down to the level of tissue laxity you have along the jawline, which can be carefully assessed during your consultation.

The SMAS facelift (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) surgery for jowls

The SMAS facelift focuses on tightening and adjusting the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS), which is the fibro-muscular layer beneath the skin.

This layer is responsible for much of the shape and structure of the lower face, so repositioning it can be a helpful step when addressing jowls. During an SMAS facelift, the SMAS layer is carefully lifted and repositioned, while removing any excess skin.

Since the procedure may not address the facial layers as deeply as the deep plane facelift, which we will explain next, it can be more suitable for mild to moderate jowls.

The deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) surgery for jowls

A deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that goes beyond the SMAS layer, addressing the deeper facial structures.

By doing this, the underlying tissues can be repositioned more effectively, which is particularly helpful for treating more pronounced jowls and a more significant level of tissue laxity.

Essentially, it is a more advanced technique that can be a more extensive procedure, but it may support longer-lasting results by addressing the deeper structures of the face.

Are there other changes these procedures can achieve at the same time?

As well as treating jowls, a facelift can also be tailored to address other areas of the face. This will depend on your personal preferences and how the procedure can be performed. For example, the same surgery for jowls can also address fine lines and wrinkles, nasolabial folds and other signs of ageing on the mid-face and lower face.

If you and Dr Jeremy Richardson decide to extend the targeted area to the neck, as well, a neck lift procedure may also be included as part of your surgery.

The same can be said if you decide to extend the procedure upwards, to also target the skin around the eyes, brows and/or forehead. Depending on your suitability and needs, your type of facelift may be combined with a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or brow lift, to extend the results to these areas.

Choosing the right surgery for jowls

Deciding between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift will depend on the extent of the tissue laxity, how much repositioning is needed and the type of results that you would like to achieve.

For mild to moderate jowls, an SMAS facelift may be a sufficient approach, without the need for a deeper lift. For more significant jowls, where the tissue has descended more noticeably, a deep plane facelift may be the better option.

There will also be other factors that can determine the suitability of a specific approach, such as the skin quality in the area and the overall structure of the middle and lower face, including the jawline.

Since the best approach depends on individual facial structure and how the tissues have changed over time, a consultation with your surgeon is the best way to determine the right technique.

Book a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson

In Melbourne, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson specialises in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

With years of training and experience, he has refined modern surgical techniques, allowing him to provide his patients with high-quality care in a confidential and supportive environment.

Dr Richardson is a member of The Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) and Australian and New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons (ANZCPS).

He is a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Plastic Reconstructive Surgery) (FRACS), with a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery with Honours, Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours and Post-Graduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy. Internationally, he also completed further cosmetic surgical training at the well-known Harley Street Medical District of London.

Through his training and with his passion for achieving quality results, Dr Richardson provides a personalised, patient-centred surgical experience.

If you would like to learn more about the SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift or any other procedure that can be performed by Dr Richardson in Melbourne, please feel free to get in touch with our team and ask any questions you may have.

To book your consultation and discuss which type of surgery for jowls may be the most suitable for you, you are welcome to contact us when you are ready.